Psalm 84, Hebrews 9.24, Luke 8.40-56

Jairus's daughter was my favourite story when I was a child. When I grew up, the story of this woman's restoration is one I love the most.

Psalm 46, Joel 2.28,29, Luke 8. 17-39

Psalm 29, 1 Corinthians 12.4-7, Luke 8. 1-16

Psalm 21, Isaiah 40.28-end and Luke 7.36-50 

The Isaiah reading is so inspiring, rising on eagle's wings, running without getting tired, and having the grace to walk by faith. The Luke reading is the woman with the alabaster jar of ointment. It's all about forgiveness and the need to avoid judgement

Psalm 93, Hebrews 2.8-10, Luke 7.24-35

Hebrews 9.24, Luke 7.11-23

I love Ascension Day because this is the day we celebrate Jesus taking his earthly body into heaven. We are so used to spiritualising everything as though we were physically worthless, but this festival celebrates Jesus validating our physical bodies and taking one right up into heaven itself.

Colossians 3.1-4, Luke 6. 45-7.10

Jesus demonstrates compassion for the oppressor, a Roman centurion

Psalm 66, 1 Corinthians 15.42-44a,47-49, Luke 6.27-45

Psalm 146, Revelation 1.12,13,17,18, Luke 5. 27-39

I wonder if, when Jesus chose his disciples, he knew already what their part in his story would be, and chose them anyway?

Psalm 145, Job 19.23-27a, Luke 5.29-6.11

Jesus' demonstrated his love for tax collectors, the man with the withered hand, and even the scribes and pharisees as he tries to get them to think beyond the rules and regulations to God's love for all, even sinners.